SB Nation Boston - Red Sox Offseason 2012: Boston, David Ortiz Avoid Arbitrationhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48863/boston-fave.png2012-02-15T20:58:30-05:00http://boston.sbnation.com/rss/stream/22319992012-02-15T20:58:30-05:002012-02-15T20:58:30-05:00Red Sox Spring Training Program Toughens Up Under Bobby Valentine
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<p>The Boston Red Sox are doing things a little differently in spring training this year. New manager Bobby Valentine has imposed a much stricter workout and practice regimen for his team that the one Terry Francona ran during his time at the helm. </p>
<p>Valentine described some unhappy mugs on players' faces in <a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/boston/red-sox/post/_/id/16319/valentine-regimen-met-with-frowning" target="_blank">comments to the Boston Globe</a> on Wednesday.</p>
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<p>When I look at the program we devised, I don't think of it as tough. But it seems it's different because a lot of people are frowning. I just asked them to give (it) a few days.</p>
<p>We all know that no one likes change except for those who are making other people change of what that person want them to. I happen to be one of those guys who likes change because guys are doing what I want them to do. I would bet there will be 100 guys who won't really like it because it's change for them. But they'll get used to it.</p>
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<p>Valentine has already decided to extend spring training games against Boston College and Northeastern from the usual seven innings to a full nine. </p>
<p>Some might argue that a more grueling spring training is exactly what the team needs after a late season collapse in 2011. Following their team's meltdown, players described a lax clubhouse in which pitchers drank beer, played video games and snarfed down fried chicken while their teammates finished games. </p>
<p><i style="border-image: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;">For more Boston Red Sox coverage, visit <a style="border-image: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; color: #193270; font-weight: bold; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" href="https://www.overthemonster.com/" target="_blank">our team page</a> and blog, <a style="border-image: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; color: #193270; font-weight: bold; padding: 0px; margin: 0px; border: 0px initial initial;" href="http://www.overthemonster.com/" target="_blank">Over The Monster</a>.</i></p>
https://boston.sbnation.com/boston-red-sox/2012/2/15/2801301/red-sox-spring-training-bobby-valentineRyan Van Bibber2012-02-13T17:50:45-05:002012-02-13T17:50:45-05:00Red Sox Reportedly Never Offered Yoenis Cespedes A Deal
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<p>Although the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.overthemonster.com/">Boston Red Sox</a> remained in talks with Cuban outfielder Yoenis Cespedes throughout the period of his free agency, the club never made a formal offer to him (<a href="http://www.weei.com/sports/boston/this-just-in/21176626/sources-sox-never-made-offer-cespedes" target="_blank">via WEEI.com</a>). Cespedes agreed to a four-year, $36 million deal earlier today with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.athleticsnation.com/">Oakland Athletics</a>.</p>
<p>The Red Sox did bring Cespedes in for a workout in the Dominican Republic last November. The snag between the club and Cespedes was over annual salary. Boston wanted to get the Cuban slugger for less than his deal with Oakland.</p>
<p>Cespedes, 26, tied the Cuban all-time record for single season home runs. However, Boston thought he'd need to spend time in the minors.</p>
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<p>the Sox felt that he would require some time in the minors before he was major league ready. That being the case, while the Sox did have some interest in the right-handed hitting masher, that interest never progressed to the point of an offer or a deal given his eventual cost.<i><br></i></p>
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<p><i>For more Boston Red Sox coverage, visit <a href="http://boston.sbnation.com/boston-red-sox/2011/mlb/teams/boston-red-sox">our team page</a> and blog, <a href="http://overthemonster.com/">Over The Monster</a>.</i></p>
https://boston.sbnation.com/boston-red-sox/2012/2/13/2796202/red-sox-rered-sox-never-offered-yoenis-cespedes-a-deal-oakland-athleticsPat Johnston2012-02-13T16:48:53-05:002012-02-13T16:48:53-05:00Red Sox Rumors: Boston, Cubs Submit Briefs Over Theo Epstein Compensation, Decision Could Reportedly Come This Week
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<p>The <a href="https://www.overthemonster.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Boston Red Sox</a> and <a href="https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Chicago Cubs</a> have both submitted briefs over the compensation of Theo Epstein, the former Red Sox general manager.</p>
<p>According a report, the decision about the Red Sox's compensation for the departure of Epstein could come this week.</p>
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<p><a href="https://twitter.com/search/%2523cubs">#cubs</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%2523redsox">#redsox</a> have submitted briefs regarding theo compensation, decision could come this week. <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%2523theo">#theo</a></p>
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeymanCBS) <a href="https://twitter.com/JonHeymanCBS/status/169130995008811008" data-datetime="2012-02-13T18:49:06+00:00">February 13, 2012</a>
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<p>The compensation matter is currently before MLB commissioner Bud Selig. The Red Sox could be getting a "significant" player in return for Epstein (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/articles/2012/02/12/red_sox_cubs_compensation_holdup_is_baffling/">via Boston Globe</a>). That report that revealed the news about a "significant" player also said that the decision on the compensation matter would be known before Spring Training.</p>
<p>Stay tuned as we will have information about the compensation the Red Sox receive as soon as the decision is known.</p>
<p><i>For more Boston Red Sox coverage, visit <a href="http://boston.sbnation.com/boston-red-sox/2011/mlb/teams/boston-red-sox">our team page</a> and blog, <a href="http://overthemonster.com/">Over The Monster</a>.</i></p>
https://boston.sbnation.com/boston-red-sox/2012/2/13/2796042/red-sox-rumors-boston-cubs-submit-briefs-over-theo-epstein-compensation-decision-bud-seligPat Johnston2012-02-13T10:51:33-05:002012-02-13T10:51:33-05:00Red Sox, David Ortiz Avoid Arbitration, Settle On One-Year Contract
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<p><b>More: <a href="http://www.overthemonster.com/2012/2/13/2795112/david-ortiz-boston-red-sox-settle-halfway-avoid-arbitration?utm_source=article&utm_medium=position1&utm_campaign=relatedlinks"><i>On Ortiz one year contract</i></a></b></p>
<p>Despite a bit of brinkmanship, the Red Sox will finish the 2012 offseason with their record of avoiding arbitration intact, as <a target="_blank" href="http://twitter.com/Buster_ESPN/statuses/169080068268752896">Buster Olney is reporting</a> that the team has settled with David Ortiz on a 1-year, $14.575 million contract.</p>
<p>The team was scheduled to have their first arbitration meeting since the Dan Duquette era Monday, with their star designated hitter reportedly submitting a request for $16.5 million to the club's offer of $12.65. The Red Sox' figure would have represented a small raise after a big season for Ortiz, who saw his offensive production return to levels unseen since his wrist injury in 2008, while Ortiz sought a pay hike commensurate with his jump in performance.</p>
<p>After many quiet years with the team, Ortiz' contract has become a point of contention in recent offseasons. After a dip in performance in 2008 and 2009, the team has been hesitant to offer Ortiz the multi-year contract he's expressed interest in. With the combination of a resurgent 2011 and a salary already unusually high given the non-existent market for designated hitters, the Sox seemed prepared to finally go to the table this year, but apparently both sides thought better of it. Had it come down to the decision of an arbitrator, the result would have set a record for arbitration cases regardless of which side won; others such as Tim Lincecum have had higher offers in the past, but like Ortiz chose to settle rather than go to arbitration.</p>
<p>With Ortiz' contract now out of the way, the question becomes what impact the $14.575 million figure has on Boston's budget. Does the added $2 million over the top of their offer top out the payroll, or does it free up $2 million for use elsewhere--say, on a Roy Oswalt? We'll have to wait and see.</p>
https://boston.sbnation.com/boston-red-sox/2012/2/13/2795120/red-sox-david-ortiz-avoid-arbitration-settle-on-one-year-contractBenjamin Buchanan2012-02-13T09:01:45-05:002012-02-13T09:01:45-05:00Terry Francona: Sox Always Contenders
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<p>In the eyes of Terry Francona, the Boston Red Sox will always be contenders. Francona, the ex-manager of the Sox, made an appearance on WBZ-TV Sports Final on Sunday night with Dan Roche, where he shared his thoughts on the upcoming season for the team that he guided to two World Series championships in 2004 and again in 2007.</p>
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<p>"They're always going to have a chance. They're the Red Sox," said Francona. "You have some talented players. Some were injured. Some were probably embarrassed and feel like they have a lot to prove, they maybe feel like they have a chip on their shoulder. Whatever the reason, you're going to see some guys coming back and probably have pretty good years." <a href="http://www.weei.com/sports/boston/this-just-in/21176496/francona-collapse-embarrassed-motivated-sox" target="_blank"><b>(via WEEI)</b></a></p>
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<p>Hopefully, Tito is right. After the way last season ended -- the Red Sox blew a nine-game lead in the AL Wild Card in September and finished the month with a 7-20 record while missing the playoffs -- there certainly is a lot to prove. We'll see if they listened.</p>
<p><i>For more Boston Red Sox coverage, visit <a href="https://www.overthemonster.com/">our team page</a> and blog, <a href="http://www.overthemonster.com" target="_blank">Over The Monster</a>.</i></p>
https://boston.sbnation.com/boston-red-sox/2012/2/13/2794762/boston-red-sox-2012-mlb-news-terry-franconaGethin Coolbaugh2012-02-12T13:40:40-05:002012-02-12T13:40:40-05:00Red Sox Rumors: Theo Epstein Compensation Should Come By Spring Training
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<p>The <a href="https://www.overthemonster.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Boston Red Sox</a> could learn shortly what their compensation will be for the loss of former general manager Theo Epstein to the <a href="https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Chicago Cubs</a>. <a href="http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/articles/2012/02/12/red_sox_cubs_compensation_holdup_is_baffling/">According to report from the Boston Globe</a>, the decision is in the hands of commissioner Bud Selig and is expected to come before Spring Training.</p>
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<p>"Red Sox officials seem to think they’ll know what they’ll be getting from the Cubs "before the official start of spring training.’’ But is that when pitchers and catchers report, or when the full squad shows up?"</p>
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<p>In October, Red Sox president Larry Lucchino allowed Epstein to void the final year of his contract so he could become president of baseball operations for the Cubs. In return, Boston is suppose to be receiving a "'significant' player in return."</p>
<p>However, it is still unclear as to what the definition of a "significant" player is -- as discussed in this <a href="http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/articles/2012/02/12/red_sox_cubs_compensation_holdup_is_baffling/">Globe column</a> from <span id="byline"> <a href="http://search.boston.com/local/Search.do?s.sm.query=Nick+Cafardo&camp=localsearch:on:byline:art">Nick Cafardo</a>.</span></p>
<p><i>For more Boston Red Sox coverage, visit <a href="https://www.overthemonster.com/">our team page</a> and blog, <a href="http://overthemonster.com/">Over The Monster</a>.</i></p>
https://boston.sbnation.com/boston-red-sox/2012/2/12/2793544/red-sox-rumors-theo-epstein-chicago-cubsJared Smith2012-02-08T19:21:01-05:002012-02-08T19:21:01-05:00Red Sox, David Ortiz Arbitration Hearing Reportedly Set For Monday
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<p>The arbitration hearing between the Boston Red Sox and designated hitter <span>David Ortiz</span> is reportedly set for next Monday (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.weei.com/sports/boston/this-just-in/21175636/ortiz-arb-hearing-slated-next-week">via WEEI</a>). The Red Sox offered $12.65 million while Ortiz asked for $16.5 million. Ortiz is under contract for the 2012 season so the hearing would simply be to determine his salary for the upcoming season.</p>
<p>The Red Sox have avoided arbitration hearings for a decade. The closest the team has come to one recently is when they settled with <span>Kevin Youkilis</span> to a one-year, $3 million deal in 2008.</p>
<p>Ortiz did not want to bring the matter this far, but he's not leaving it up to himself</p>
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<p>Ortiz recently told MLB.com that he wants to resolve the matter and avoid going through the arbitration process, but that he's leaving the matter in the hands of his agents and team officials. Meanwhile, the Sox have a decade-long track record of avoiding arbitration hearings, even though GM Ben Cherington has acknowledged that it his team is preparing for a hearing with Ortiz should the two sides not settle their differences. (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.weei.com/sports/boston/baseball/red-sox/alex-speier/2012/02/08/what-would-arbitration-hold-david-ortiz-and-re">via WEEI</a>)</p>
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<p>Can the team and Ortiz' agents find some common ground before Monday and prevent an arbitration hearing? Stay tuned.</p>
<p><i>For more Boston Red Sox coverage, visit <a href="https://www.overthemonster.com/">our team page</a> and blog, <a href="http://overthemonster.com/">Over The Monster</a>.</i></p>
https://boston.sbnation.com/boston-red-sox/2012/2/8/2785768/red-sox-david-ortiz-arbitration-hearing-reportedly-set-for-mondayPat Johnston2012-02-07T23:46:47-05:002012-02-07T23:46:47-05:00Red Sox And Roy Oswalt Unlikely To Reach Agreement
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<p><span>Roy Oswalt</span> won't be agreeing to a new contract with the Boston Red Sox, at least not any time soon. According to a league source there is "no traction" in talks <a href="http://www.weei.com/sports/boston/this-just-in/21175366/no-traction-red-sox-oswalt-fit" target="_blank">between the two parties at this point</a>. That doesn't mean that discussions have completely died, but the odds of Oswalt ending up in Boston have dropped steeply.</p>
<p>General manager Ben Cherington indicated last week that Red Sox may be not be able to pull in another starting pitcher before the start of spring training.</p>
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<p>"We wouldn't rule out adding a starter, but I think it's unlikely at this point," Cherington told reporters. "I think we're going to keep looking for ways to improve the team, including the pitching staff, but I wouldn't expect any major changes between now and the [spring training] report date." </p>
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<p>Oswalt has been linked to <a href="http://boston.sbnation.com/boston-red-sox/2011/10/4/2467958/boston-red-sox-offseason-2011-theo-epstein-terry-francona-john-henry-mlb-news" target="_blank">several teams</a> throughout his free agency, most notably the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lonestarball.com/">Texas Rangers</a>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.vivaelbirdos.com/">St. Louis Cardinals</a>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.redreporter.com/">Cincinnati Reds</a> and the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.thegoodphight.com/">Philadelphia Phillies</a>. </p>
<p><i>For more Boston Red Sox coverage, visit <a href="https://www.overthemonster.com/">our team page</a> and blog, <a href="http://overthemonster.com/">Over The Monster</a>.</i></p>
https://boston.sbnation.com/boston-red-sox/2012/2/7/2783953/boston-red-sox-roy-oswalt-contract-talksLouis Bien